Their Imperial Highnesses Princess Akiko and Princess Yohko of Mikasa
His Imperial Highness Prince Tomohito of Mikasa passed away on 6 June 2012. He was 66 years old.
His Imperial Highness Prince Mikasa passed away on 27 october 2016. He was 100 years old.
Her Imperial Highness Princess Mikasa passed away on 15 November 2024. She was 101 years old.
After graduating from Gakushin University, Her Imperial Highness Princess Akiko majored in Japanese art history at Merton College, Univerity of Oxford in the UK, and obtained a PhD.
Following her return to Japan, Princess Akiko held roles that included Postdoctoral Fellow and Special Invited Associate Professor at the Kinugasa Research Organization, Ritsumeikan University. She currrently works mainly as a Special Professor at the Institute of Japanese Culture, Kyoto Sangyo University, while also lecturing at Ritsumeikan University, Kyoto City University of Arts, Chiba Institute of Technology, Kokugakuin University, Kokushikan University and other insitutions.
Princess Akiko strives to cultivate international goodwill, and serves as Honorary Patron of the Japan-British Society, and as President of the Japan-Turkey Society, the Middle Eastern Culture Center in Japan, and the Prince Mikasa Foundation. The Princess has deep ties with Turkey in particular, and since 1998, when she was a high-school student, she has visited the country eight times thus far. In September 2025 she was awarded an honorary doctorate at Ankara University, becoming the third generation of her family to do so, following Prince Takahito and Prince Tomohito. Additionally, at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Ayanlar Höyük archeological site in Southeast Turkey, the Princess used the same hoe that was used by Prince Takahito at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Kaman Kalehöyük archeological site in 1987.
Princess Akiko devotes her energy to youth development and international exchange through sports – she serves as President of the Professional Ski Instructors Association of Japan (and is a qualified ski instructor herself) and as Honorary Patron of the Japan Rugby Football Union. She attended the Japan national teams’ games at the Rugby World Cup held in France in 2023 and the Women’s Rugby World Cup held in the UK in 2025, respectively, as a spectator, and cheered on the players.
Princess Akiko serves as Honorary Chairwoman of Kokka Seiwakai and Honorary President of the Classics Day Prize Committee, and is involved in promoting Japanese art and Japanese culture. In particular, at Shinyusha, the general incorporated association she personally established in 2012, the Princess engages energetically in activities that include holding workshops nationwide in order to convey the merits of traditional Japanese culture to the children that will oversee Japan’s future.
Princess Akiko is also proactively engaged in writing activities, including contributing articles to newspapers and magazines, and her works have become bestsellers. The Princess’ television and radio appearances also attract attention.
Her Imperial Highness Princess Yohko worked at the Japanese Red Cross Society from December 2006 to November 2012.
Princess Yohko has taken on the activities that were so dear to her father His Imperial Highness Prince Tomohito, including welfare for persons with disabilities, sports promotion and youth education, and is continuing these activities.
Princess Yohko is involved in social welfare activities, and serves as President of Yuaijujikai, a social welfare organization, Honorary President of the Japan Universal Sound Design Association, an NPO, and Honorary Advisor of the Inclusive Design Network, a specified nonprofit corporation.
Princess Yohko also strives to promote the automotive industry and motor sports ventures, serving as Honorary President of the Japanese Super Formula Championship and President of the Japan Mobility Show.
Princess Yohko holds a dan rank in kendo and attends various tournaments, including the All Japan Dojo Youth Kendo Tournament, and the Prince Tomohito Kendo Cup 8th Dan Selection Tournament.
Princess Yohko is engaged in a variety of social contribution activities inside and outside Japan with the aim of heightening awareness of the endowment culture in Japan, including attending events that showcase Japanese art and culture held in the United States of America, in order to support Japanese artists and their works, among them traditional artisans who were affected by the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake.
December 2019, Princess Yohko visited the Republic of the Union of Myanmar at the invitation of the State Counsellor to observe the state of the country.